CULLMAN, Ala. - Nov. 6, 2008 - A moratorium will be imposed on Jan. 1, 2010 to remove all white-beaded Styrofoam from structures on Smith Lake.  However, the problem of discarded chunks of Styrofoam floating in the lake is becoming more and more prevalent.

Smith Lake volunteer groups and Alabama Power employees are trying to keep the lake clean through scheduled cleanups, but the effort is being foiled by people not disposing of discarded Styrofoam properly.

Sgt. Tommy Cagle of the Alabama Marine Police advises that such littering is a Class C misdemeanor crime carrying a minimum fine of $250 for a first conviction. Cagle’s team, along with John Ledbetter, Alabama Power’s shoreline manager and shoreline contractors will be monitoring the lake closely for Styrofoam offenders.

Cagle said abandoned boat docks and swim platforms are contributing to the problem.

“Unfortunately, certain people simply abandon old docks rather than properly dispose of the structure and the Styrofoam attached to it,” said Cagle.  “In reality, the practice is the same as littering and it carries a serious fine with the crime.”Assessments of Smith Lake were conducted earlier this year to photograph and inventory docks and swim platforms with white-beaded Styrofoam on Smith Lake to aid in identifying potential offenders.

For suggestions on disposal of Styrofoam and old boat docks or for information on counties surrounding Smith Lake offering free disposal to residents, contact the Alabama Shoreline Management office for Smith Lake at 205.384.7385.

###

Media Contact: Patrick Wylie, Alabama Power Media Relations, 205.257.4155, pjwylie@southernco.com